Housing, question about property size in mutual swap

cpaiec

I am currently in a 2 bed bungalow but due to having my step son 50/50 custody and there being a 7 year age gap between him and my son can he have his own room if I was to get a mutual swap

Kimi87

Any mutual swap would have to be approved by the social housing provider in terms of property size.

Two children of the same gender under 16 would be expected to share- do their ages fit this bracket?

With 50/50 custody it will come down to who is considered the child's main carer.

If they spend equal time with both parents, the parent getting child benefit would be classed as the main carer.

The same child can't be counted twice in both houses in terms of bedroom allowance, only main residence with parent getting child benefit.

cpaiec

thank you for that. Is there anything in particular that could change that option(for example the step child having additional needs?)

Kimi87

If you aren't considered the main carer then the answer is most likely no, as the child will be considered to be already adequately housed with main carer.

Your landlord might agree you can have a 3 bed property, but you would have your Housing Element/Benefit reduced due to under occupying as your step son wouldn't be counted as needing a bedroom because his main residence is elsewhere.